Pat Banks Watercolor

I About the Artist: Pat Banks is a signature member of the Kentucky Watercolor Society, Kentucky Guild of Artists, and Craftsmen, founding member of the Gallery on Main, Richmond KY and has illustrated four children’s books. Her work is in the collection of Bristal Myers Squib, St Joseph Hospital, Baptist Health, Louisville Zoo, Appalachian Center at the University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University and Union College and many other corporate and private collections. She has been a visiting artist in Ecuador, Japan, and France, and is a teaching artist with the Kentucky Arts Council, the Berea Learn Shops and other workshop venues. Introduction to the artist and brief showcase of some of her work which include the watercolor paintings created for The Plants of Appalachia. This workshop will focus on and be inspired by the plants and animals from our region. Discover magic!

The first day. We will  focus on the fauna, watercolor techniques, positive and negative space, fur, scales, feathers, eyes, claws, paws, texture, and other details of curiosity. Pat will lead the explorations with fun and informative hands-on participatory demonstrations and individual instruction. By the afternoon participants will choose an animal(s) to focus on and create a study, 9x12 watercolor.

  Day two. Our focus will be on the flora, some select plants of the region, , wildflowers, garden blossoms, cotton plants, leaves, watercolor technique, shapes, color, texture, light, dark, positive shapes, negative space and other details of the wonder and magic of watercolor. By the afternoon participants will choose a plant(s)to focus on and create a study, 9x12 watercolor. Again, Pat will demonstrate throughout as well as individual instruction.

    Day three. We will bring the plants and animals together. We will use the new “tools” in our toolboxes. The techniques and experiences explored throughout the workshop will inform these paintings and compositions.  Each artist will create two sketches using the plants and animals of their choice, then choose the best composition to turn into their 11”x22” watercolor painting.  Pat will demonstrate and provide individual instruction and problem solving throughout! 

Suggested materials list: Paint: Winsor Newton (or another premium brand)Alizarine Crimson, Winsor Red, Permanent Rose, Winsor Yellow, New Gamboge, Cerulean Blue (RS), Cob Turquoise Light, French Ultra Marine Blue, Winsor Blue, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber. Phthalo Green, indigo.

 Watercolor paper: Arches or Strathmore, (You want a reliable 100% rag paper as we will be using lots of water and you will want your paper to hold up to the water.)     4 sheets of 300lb or 140lb, 22”x30” hot pressed paper, we will cut to size.

Brushes: I like a good quality White synthetic. But participants can bring their favorites!

Cheap Joes has a good brush, Miller’s Old Faithful, White synthetic. Sizes should include: #2 round, 6 round,12 round, 1/2inch flat, Iinch flat.

Artist tape for boarders, Cheap Joe’s has the white acid free tape.

Water Bowls and Other things to bring. Reference photos. If you have a favorite animal (s) from the region, bring at least three reference photos of each animal. Think about body shape, fur, scales, feathers and close up details etc. The same for your favorite plants or flowers. The photos need to show you how the plant grows, details of the leaves and blossom and time of year? I like to know how a plant grows, blossoms, and dies. Showing some or all those aspects is interesting. Field guides are also a good source of information. Pat will have some reference materials as well as field guides and photos. We will not copy any photographs! We will only use the photos as reference!!! Before the workshop participants might want to practice drawing some of their animals and or flower/plants.